Submit to Desertscape 2027!

What to expect from the Desertscape International Film Festival:

Desertscape returns in March 2027 for its ninth year, and we're looking for bold, fun, and creative independent films like yours. The whole experience is set against one of the most striking backdrops on earth.

Why submit to Desertscape?

Because we actually care about filmmakers. Since 2019, we've built something rare in the festival circuit: an event where you're not an afterthought and instead, you're the whole point. Many of the films that have screened here have played other prestigious festivals such as Sundance, SXSW, Cannes, and Tribeca, to name a few. Several have earned Oscar nominations and shortlist recognition. We take our selections seriously, and your film may be next in our lineup.

What you get as an Official Selection:

Every film is screened live and theatrically. There's no online streaming, no virtual sidebars. Your work gets the dark room, on the big screen, and in front of a live audience. We showcase a wide variety of short films, features, documentaries, student work, and animation across every genre, including horror for our After Dark selections. Beyond the screening, you'll get dedicated filmmaker Q&As, red carpet moments, workshops, a live script read, after parties, catered meals, and four days of industry conversations and genuine connection with fellow filmmakers set against the breathtaking red rock landscapes of Southern Utah.

This isn't just a festival. It's a filmmaker's getaway.

Submissions are open now, so if you're proud of it, submit it!

Awards & Prizes

Submitting your film or screenplay is not a guarantee of selection. All Official Selections and Award Winners may be listed on our website (www.fmasu.com/desertscape).

Trophies and/or certificates will be awarded to the best of the best in various categories. Awards will be chosen by a jury select made up of knowledgeable film industry professionals, enthusiasts, and experts.

Please be aware that if you are selected for the festival but unable to attend and are awarded, you will be responsible for the shipping and handling costs of the award. We want to ensure that filmmakers receive their awards, and the filmmaker will only be charged the exact cost of shipping and handling, with no additional fees.

Desertscape Film Categories & Awards are subject to change, but past awards have included:

Best of the Fest
Best U.S. Feature
Best International Feature
Best U.S. Short
Best International Short
Creative Spirit Award
Discovery Award
Making a "DIFFerence" Award
Best Student Short
Best Music Video
Best Animated Short
Best After Dark Film
Best "Made in Utah" Film
Best Performance
Best Ensemble
Best Writing
Best Feature Screenplay
Best Short Screenplay

Again, these categories and award titles are designed primarily based on the selections we end up screening. Anywhere between 16-18 awards are handed out every year at the Desertscape Awards Ceremony on the final day of the festival.

Rules & Terms

Attention Filmmakers and Screenwriters,

Before submitting your film or screenplay to the Desertscape International Film Festival, we kindly request that you carefully review the following rules and terms. We assure you that each properly submitted film or screenplay will be given thorough consideration, with the entire work being viewed or read in its entirety.

Desertscape International Film Festival Submission Rules:

1) Eligibility:

• Only films/screenplays completed on or after January 1, 2024 are eligible.
• Films/screenplays previously submitted or screened at other festivals are eligible.
• Films with distribution are eligible.
• Screenplays must not violate any previous sale or option agreements.
• Festival personnel and judges are ineligible to submit for the competition.

2) Language:

• Films not in English must be subtitled. Screenplays must be in English.

3) Genres:

• All genres are eligible for submission. You do not have to submit your films multiple times. We are not that kind of festival. One and done. If selected, we will have your film find a place in the schedule where it may best fit our programming.

4) Length:

• Feature Films: 45 minutes and above (including credits)
• Short/Made-in-Utah/Student Films: Under 45 minutes (including credits)
• Feature Screenplays: 45-150 pages
• Short Screenplays: 44 pages or less

5) Submission & Fees:

• Submissions must be made through FilmFreeway.
• Each title requires a separate entry form, fee, and digital file.
• Do not submit the same title more than once.
• Submission fees are nonrefundable.
• Incomplete submissions will be disqualified. (Without refund)

6) Film Delivery & Screening Specifications:

Upon acceptance to the Desertscape International Film Festival, filmmakers will be asked to deliver their film in both of the following formats:

DCP (required)
+
Minimum spec digital file — 1920x1080, MP4, H.264/H.265

Need a DCP? We've got you covered.

FilmFreeway now offers this service. If you are looking for a cheaper option, our Desertscape Team offers our selected filmmakers DCPs at negotiated rates. Your DCP is yours to keep; use it at Desertscape and every future screening, knowing your film will look and sound exactly as it should, every time.

Delivery Deadlines

We mean it when we say deadlines matter. Filmmakers who do not deliver their film by the specified deadline risk having their selection pulled from the program and replaced. We want your film on our screen, so help us make that happen by delivering on time.

Questions about delivery? Reach out to our team. We're here to help get your film festival-ready.

• We prefer 2k DCP files, but if you don’t have a DCP, we can create one for an affordable fee. We would also like an MP4 or .MOV (ProRes 422/444) with a stereo mix.
• Screenplays must be in PDF format, without identifying information.
• Only digital files through FilmFreeway are accepted.

7) AI-Generated Content Policy — No AI Films:

Desertscape International Film Festival is a celebration of human storytelling. We do not accept films or screenplays that are primarily or substantially generated by artificial intelligence tools, including, but not limited to, AI-generated scripts, AI-generated imagery, or AI-generated voices used as the core creative foundation of the work.

We recognize that AI tools are increasingly used in post-production, color grading, sound design, and other technical capacities; the use of AI in these supporting roles does not disqualify a submission. However, the creative soul of your film must be human. If we determine that a submission is primarily AI-generated, it will most likely not be selected and will not be refunded.

8) Judging:

• Films and screenplays are judged anonymously.
• Jurors and Festival Directors help rank and select award winners.

9) Notifications:

• Official Selections will be revealed no later than early February, 2027.
• Screenplay Semi-finalists and/or finalists will be announced by March, 2027.
• Screenplay Award Winners revealed no later than mid-March, 2027.
• Filmmaker Award Winners will be revealed at the 2027 Desertscape Awards Ceremony on the Closing Night of the Festival in April!

10) Rights:

• Desertscape reserves the right to accept, reject, or disqualify any submission.
• Filmmakers retain ownership but grant usage rights for promotional materials for the upcoming festival and years to come.
• Legal disclaimer releases Desertscape from liability.

Please refer to these full DESERTSCAPE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL RULES AND TERMS to be considered for this year’s film festival.

FINAL NOTE:
BY SUBMITTING YOUR MATERIAL, I/WE HEREBY AGREE TO DEFEND THE DESERTSCAPE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, FMASU, ITS EMPLOYEES, DIRECTORS, REPRESENTATIVES, AND AFFILIATES FROM ALL LIABILITY, CLAIMS, AND DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH THE SUBMISSION AND FROM ANY FEES AND EXPENSES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO REASONABLE ATTORNEYS’ FEES, THAT ANY OF THEM MAY INCUR IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.

Now, what are you waiting for? Submit a movie! The cinematic adventure that is the Desertscape International Film Festival awaits you!
82 Reviews
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  • Matt Edwards

    The BEST festival experience I've ever had, hands down. I am so grateful to the entire team at Desertscape who made our stay unforgettable. We were so honored to premiere our short film, Pretty Boys, at the festival. The media team was phenomenal, the panels were fantastic, and the food and accomodations were top notch. I can't wait to come back to Desertscape and spend more time with this group of passionate filmmakers. Thank you for everything!!

    June 2026
    Helpful
  • Dave Orvis

    I am honored to have my short script When Stars Align selected as a Finalist in the Desertscape FF. This script has garnered several Wins and "other placements" across 3 continents as of this writing. Thank you. :>)

    April 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks, Dave! And congrats on your success with the script! Here's hoping it makes the leap from the page to the big screen! And here's hoping that we can get you at this way at one of our future festivals. We look forward to seeing what's next from you!

  • Jorge Morais

    I can't speak highly enough of this festival. Even though I wasn't able to attend in person, the energy and passion behind the event came through from the very first moment. The film selection was thoughtfully curated, the communication was top-notch, and everything they shared across their social media showed just how much care and dedication went into making it happen.... A festival truly made by film lovers, for film lovers.

    It's a shame that distance makes it so hard for directors from other countries to be there in person, because what the organizers have pulled off is a genuine celebration of independent cinema, the kind that deserves to be experienced up close.

    Congratulations to the whole team, and best of luck with the ninth edition! ...This one comes highly recommended.

    Jorge Morais
    Director of In Half

    April 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Jorge! Thank you for such kind words and thank you so much for sending "In Half" our way. Our team thought the film was terrific. We absolutely look forward to seeing what's next from you. And despite the distance, we hope you'll be able to make it out this way one of these years. Thanks again for the support and thanks for sharing your talent with us!

  • CHRIS CROWLEY

    DesertScape was terrific. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Adam and John rolled out the red carpet - great films, great people, excellent workshops and even great food.

    April 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Chris! It was great having you here at the fest! Thank you so much for coming out. And thanks again for submitting your screenplay to us. We greatly look forward to seeing what you do next and we certainly look forward to seeing you at the festival again.

  • Heather Jensen

    Adam and John run an incredible festival. The atmosphere at Desertscape is so warm and welcoming, I know I made some friends for life. As a filmmaker, they treated us like royalty with catered meals, a private lounge to recharge and refuel, and an old-style arcade to unwind in between events. The films were inspiring and entertaining, the awards were inspiring, and the panels and discussions were informative and encouraging. The unique style of holding a Q&A after any film where the filmmakers are in attendance really makes the viewing experience interactive and engaging. The entire event was an experience I'll never forget.

    April 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much, Heather! Really nice words from a great writer. So glad you were able to make it out. It was great having you and it goes without saying that we always look forward to seeing what you'll do next. Thanks again!